Council of Europe Warns of Rising Hate Speech and Discrimination in France

While congratulating the authorities on the "progress made" in the fight against racism and discrimination, the Council of Europe notes that in recent years, "hate speech is gaining ground, especially in the political sphere, as well as in the audiovisual media and on social networks". These concerns were notified in a report dated June 28, but which was only published on Wednesday, September 22, reports SaphirNews.

Concerns justified by "acts of violence against Roma, non-European immigrants such as Muslims, Jews, sub-Saharan Africans, LGBTI people," says the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). Taking into account the complaints recorded, the ECRI recommends in its report to the government to "launch investigations to measure trends in discrimination against different vulnerable groups based on anonymized data based on the feeling of belonging".

The body points out that "the protection of vulnerable migrants is seriously lacking" exposed during the health crisis. The report also highlights the harassment and police violence considered as discriminatory acts towards immigrants and minority groups.